Keep in mind that most businesses require proof of military service, which can include a VA Universal Access Card, Military I.D., DD-214 (Discharge Papers), Veterans Service Organization Card (VSO's include groups like the VFW, DAV, AmVets, MOAA, FRA, and the American Legion), or in some cases businesses will accept a picture of the veteran in uniform.

Note: Not all franchise locations participate in their national chain's Veterans Day programs -- be sure contact your nearest establishment to make sure they are participating.

Chuck E. Cheese's – Veterans and active duty military get 20 free tokens from November 9 through November 15.

City Barbeque – All veterans get a free sandwich platter on November 11.

Claim Jumper -- On November 10, all Claim Jumper locations will provide veterans with a complimentary meal from a special menu.

Coffee Beanery -- Veterans and active duty military get a free tall cup of coffee on November 11 at participating locations.

Country Cookin -- Active, reserve, and retired military personnel receive a free meal on November 11.

Cracker Barrel -- Veterans get a complimentary Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake dessert during lunch and dinner on November 11.

Denny’s -- Active, inactive and retired military personnel get a free Build Your Own Grand Slam on November 11, from 5 a.m. to noon at participating locations.

East Coast Wings & Grill -- Veterans get a free appetizer or a free dessert on November 11. Offer good with a minimum purchase of $10.

Famous Dave’s -- On November 11, former and active military receive a free One Meat Salute at participating locations from 11:00 am to 4:30 pm.

FATZ Café -- Veterans and active military get a free entrée on November 11.

Figaro’s Pizza -- Veterans and active duty service members get a complimentary medium 1-topping pizza on November 11.

Fire and Ice – Veterans, active duty and their families get a free lunch or dinner on November 11.

Food City – Veterans and active duty military get a free hot bar meal on November 11.

Friendly’s – Friendly’s is treating veterans and active military to a free breakfast, lunch or dinner from a limited menu on Veterans Day, November 11.

Golden Corral -- Golden Corral Restaurants' Military Appreciation Monday free dinner will be available on November 17, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Military retirees, veterans, active duty, National Guard and Reserves are all welcome.

Gordon Biersch -- Veterans and active military personnel receive a complimentary craft beer on November 11.

Green Mill Restaurant and Bar – Veterans and active duty military get a free lunch or dinner on November 11.

Greene Turtle -- Veterans and active duty military receive a free meal from a select menu on November 11 at participating locations.

Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream -- Veterans and active duty military get a free single scoop ice cream cone on November 11 at participating locations.

Hooters – Veterans and active duty military get a free meal up to $10.99 in value with a drink purchase at participating locations on November 11.

Hy-Vee -- Veterans and active-duty military members get a free breakfast buffet on November 11.

McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants -- On November 9, participating McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants will offer a complimentary entree to veterans from a special menu.

Menchi's -- All veterans and active duty will receive a free 6 oz. frozen yogurt on November 11.

Mission BBQ -- Veterans and active duty military get a free sandwich and a slice of cake on November 11.

MOD Pizza -- Veterans and active duty military get a free individual, artisan-style pizza or hand-tossed salad on November 11.

O’Charley’s – Veterans and active duty service members get a free $9.99 entrée on November 11.

Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom -- Veterans and active military personnel receive a complimentary craft beer on November 11.

Old Country Buffet -- Active duty, reservists and retired military enjoy a free dine-in lunch at select Old Country Buffet locations from open until 3:30 pm on November 11.

Olive Garden – On November 11, all veterans and current service members get a free meal from a limited menu.

On the Border -- Veterans and active duty military can enjoy a free meal from the “Create Your Own Combo menu” on November 11.

Orange Leaf -- Retired and active duty military get a free cup of froyo on November 11.

Outback Steakhouse – All active and former service members receive a free Bloomin’ Onion and a beverage on November 11. Outback is also offering active and former service members 15% off their meals Nov. 12 through Dec. 31.

Petro Stopping Centers -- On November 11, all CDL drivers who are military veterans eat free at participating full-service restaurants.

Pie Five Pizza -- Active duty, reserve and retired service members get a free customized pizza on November 11.

Pinnacle Entertainment -- Veterans and active duty military get a free meal at select casinos on November 11.

Pizza Factory -- Veterans get a free lunch special or a free lunch buffet on November 11.

Pizza Schmizza -- Veterans and active duty service members get a free slice of pizza on November 11, between 1 and 4 p.m.

Ponderosa Steakhouse -- All former and current service members enjoy a free buffet on November 17.

Port of Subs -- Active duty military and veterans get a free small sub on November 11.

Red Hot & Blue -- Veterans receive a free entrée with the purchase of a second entrée on November 10, 11 and 12. Coupon required.

Red Lobster -- Veterans, retired and active-duty military personnel receive a complimentary appetizer from a limited menu from November 10 to November 13.

Red Robin – Veterans and active duty military get a free Red’s Tavern Double Burger with Bottomless Steak Fries on November 11.

Rib Crib -- Veterans and active duty military eat free at participating locations on November 11.

Rock Bottom -- Veterans and active military personnel receive a complimentary craft beer on November 11.

Ruby Tuesday -- Veterans, active duty and reserve service members get a free appetizer on November 11.

Ryan’s -- Active duty, reservists and retired military enjoy a free dine-in lunch at select Ryan's locations from open until 3:30 pm on November 11.

Shoney's -- Shoney's will be offering a free All-American Burger to veterans and active duty service members on Tuesday, November 11.

Sizzler -- Sizzler offers active duty and veteran military members a free lunch from a limited menu on Tuesday, November 11 until 4 p.m.

Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill -- Veterans and active duty get a free meal from a select menu on November 11.

Spaghetti Warehouse – On November 11, buy one entrée and get the second entrée free. Coupon required.

Starbucks -- Veterans, active duty service members and spouses get a free tall coffee on November 11 at participating locations.

Texas Corral – Active duty service members and veterans receive a free entrée on November 11.

Texas Land & Cattle -- On November 11, active duty, reserve and retired service members get a free appetizer.

Texas Roadhouse -- Texas Roadhouse locations nationwide will offer veterans a free lunch on November 11 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Offer is good for active duty, retired or former U.S. military.

TGIFridays -- Veterans and active duty military get a free lunch from a select menu on November 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Tijuana Flats -- Veterans and active duty military get a free meal on November 11.

Tim Hortons Café & Bake Shop – Active duty military and veterans receive a free donut all day long on November 11.

Tony Roma’s – Veterans and active military personnel receive a free draft beer on November 11 at participating locations.

Travel Centers of America -- On November 11, all CDL drivers who are military veterans eat free at participating full-service restaurants.

Tubby's -- Veterans and active duty military members get a free small Grilled Steak N' Cheese or Tubby's Famous Sub on November 11.

Tucanos Brazilian Grill – Past and current military receive a free shrimp skewer November 8 through 11. They are also offering a Veteran Card on those dates that gives 25% off 4 Churrasco Meals.

Uno Pizzeria & Grill – Veterans and active military get a free entrée or individual pizza with an entrée or pizza purchase of equal or greater value on November 11.

Village Inn -- Veterans and active military personnel receive a free breakfast on Tuesday, November 11 from a select menu at participating locations.

Wayback Burgers – Veterans and active duty military get a free Wayback Classic Cheeseburger with purchase of any side and any drink on November 11.

Woody’s Bar-B-Q -- Veterans get a gift certificate for a free entrée with purchase of an entrée on November 11.

Zoes Kitchen – Active duty military and veterans get a free entrée, and family members get 10% off on November 11.

2014 Veterans Day Travel and Recreation Discounts:

24 Hour Fitness -- Service members receive a weekend of complimentary workouts at clubs nationwide November 8 – 11.

9/11 Memorial and Museum -- Veterans will receive free Museum admission from November 7 to November 11.

Armed Forces Vacation Club -- Armed Forces Vacation Club is offering $50 off select week-long resort stays now through November 28.

Army Corp of Engineers Recreation Areas -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will waive day use fees for veterans, active and reserve component service members, and their families at the USACE-operated recreation areas nationwide on November 11.

Birmingham Zoo – Active and retired military personnel and their dependents receive free admission on November 10 and 11.

Boston Bruins – In conjunction with Military Appreciation Night on Monday, November 10, all military will receive 20% off at the ProShop and all Fan Zone locations on the night of the game.

Busch Gardens -- Veterans and active duty military can get 50% off single-day admission tickets through November 11.

Kingsmill Resort – Veterans and active duty military enjoy a 25% discount off regular room rates on stays from November 7 to 13.

Knotts Berry Farm -- Knott's Berry Farm is offering free admission for veterans and active duty military personnel and one guest from November 2, 2014 to January 4, 2015.

LEGOLAND Florida – Veterans get free admission November 1-23, as well as 50% off tickets for up to six accompanying guests.

Mariners’ Museum -- Active duty and retired military, veterans and their families receive $5 off admission price November 8 to November 11.

Mohegan Sun -- Mohegan Sun offers active and retired military members a special hotel $99.00 room rate available from November 10 to November 13.

Mount Vernon -- All active duty, former, or retired military personnel are admitted for free on Veterans Day, November 11.

National Parks -- On Veterans Day, November 11, veterans will have access to over 100 National Parks that require entrance fees for free.

Professional Association of Innkeeping International -- Inns and B&Bs throughout the country will open their doors to thank veterans for their service on Monday, November 10 and Tuesday, November 11 with free or discounted stays.

Queen Mary -- The Queen Mary offers free admission to active service members, retired military personnel, veterans and special discounts for their family members on November 11.

Red Roof Inn - Red Roof Inn is offering 15% off stays in the month of November to veterans, active duty military and their families.

SeaWorld -- Veterans and active duty military can get 50% off single-day admission tickets through November 11.

Sesame Place -- Veterans and active duty military can get 50% off single-day admission tickets through November 11.

Shark Reef Aquarium -- All active and retired military personnel receive $10 general admission November 7 through 11. Each veteran can bring up to 4 dependents using this offer.

Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat -- All active and retired military personnel receive complimentary admission from November 7 to 16. Family members receive a $5 discount.

Southampton Inn – Veterans get a special $100 nightly rate for any stay between November 7 and November 13.

Westgate Resorts -- Starting November 11, the first 1,500 eligible service members who complete the online military appreciation form will receive a complimentary three-day, two-night vacation. Veterans who don’t qualify are eligible for a 25% discount.

World of Coca-Cola -- Active duty, reserves and retirees get free admission, and November 8 through November 16, members of the Armed Forces may also purchase up to four half-price general admission tickets for their friends and family.

2014 Veterans Day Retailer Offerings:

Barnes and Noble -- Veterans, active duty military members and their families get a 15% discount on all Barnes and Noble Devices on November 11. In-store only.

Bass Pro Shops -- Active duty and retired military can receive a 10% discount off regularly priced merchandise on November 11.

Bed Bath and Beyond – Veterans, active duty, Reserves, Guard and spouses get 20% off their entire purchase November 8 through 11.

Brides Across America – Brides Across America holds a wedding gown giveaway in partnership with bridal salons across the country in November to honor Veterans Day. Qualifying brides register to attend the event at a participating bridal salon by completing the registration form and paying a $20 fee. Once verified, you will be assisted in finding a gown from the selection. Click here for more details.

Brooks Brothers – Active duty military and veterans get 25% off in-store purchases now through November 11.

Carmike Cinemas – Military members with an ID get a free small popcorn with a ticket purchase on November 11.

Commissaries – In honor of Veterans Day, commissaries are collaborating with their industry partners to offer savings through in-store sales promotions including high-value coupons and other discounts beyond the everyday savings.

Dell – Former and current members of the military save an extra 15% on PCs and tablets on November 11.

Dollar General -- Active duty service members, veterans and their family get an 11% discount on qualifying purchases on November 11.

Food Lion – Active duty, veterans and their families receive a 10% discount on November 11.

Fury/Sony Pictures -- On November 11, military personnel and veterans get free admission all day to Sony Pictures Entertainment's feature film Fury.

Grace for Vets -- Car washes from around the world who join this program offer free car washes to veterans and service members on November 11.

Great Clips – On November 11, customers who come in for a service can get a free haircut card to give to their favorite veteran. Veterans can also receive a free haircut or get the free haircut card. Haircuts are redeemable until Dec. 31.

Grizzly Industrial -- Active, veteran and retired military personnel get 5% off all purchases from November 11-28.

Harris Teeter – Active duty military personnel and veterans receive 11% off their entire purchase on November 11.

Home Depot -- Home Depot offers a 10% discount to all veterans on Veterans Day November 11. Home Depot offers the 10% discount year round to for active duty and retirees.

iPic Theaters -- Former and current military members get a free ticket on November 11.

JCPenney -- Veterans, active duty, Guard, Reserves and family members receive an extra 20% off select apparel and 10% off select furniture in stores November 3-15 with coupon.

Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores – Past and present service members and their families receive 20% off their total purchase November 7-11.

Kroger and Redbox – From November 11 to 13, get a free Redbox rental at Kroger locations.

Lowe's -- All veterans receive a 10% discount on Veterans Day, November 11. The offer is available in stores only.

Massage Envy – Participating Massage Envy locations in the Chicago area are offering a complimentary 1-hour massage to active military and veterans on November 11.

National Veterans Day Run -- The National Veterans Day Run on November 11 offers veterans and active duty military a reduced-rate entry into the race, as well as discounted rates to their spouses and children between 13 and 18 years of age.

Publix -- Active and retired military personnel and their families get a 10% discount on November 11.

Rack Room Shoes -- Military personnel and their dependents get a 10% discount off entire purchase on Veteran’s Day, November 11.

Sears -- Active, reserve, and retired military get 40% off regular priced tools or an extra 10% off sale priced tools from November 2 through 11.

2014 Veterans Day Events:

9/11 Memorial and Museum -- The National September 11 Memorial & Museum will pay tribute to our country's veterans during a special five-day Salute to Service from November 7 to November 11. The organization is hosting a series of events and special programs for veterans and their families and the visiting public. Veterans will receive free Museum admission throughout the tribute.

America's Parade -- Veterans are invited to march in this New York City parade on November 11. The theme for this year’s Parade is Land of the Free/Home of the Brave, in honor of the 200th Anniversary of the writing of the “Star Spangled Banner.”

Cabela’s -- Cabela's hosts a Hometown Heroes event on Veterans Day, November 11 with an increased discount for military personnel as well as Law-Enforcement, Firefighters and Emergency Medical Service personnel.

Concert for Valor – To celebrate Veterans Day, iHeartMedia is teaming up with HBO, Chase, and Starbucks to help bring forward The Concert For Valor on November 11. The event will take place at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. iHeartMedia will broadcast The Concert for Valor live on nearly 70 radio stations across America, and will also stream the show live on iHeartRadio beginning at 7 p.m. ET.

Letters from War: A Tribute to Veterans -- On November 7 at 7 PM, the Washington National Cathedral presents a 75-minute concert tribute featuring the U.S. Marine Corps Orchestra, Washington National Cathedral Choir and selections from American War Letters. This tribute event is free and open to the public with no ticketing required.

National Veterans Day Ceremony -- The Veterans Day National Ceremony is held on November 11 at Arlington National Cemetery. It begins at 11:00 AM with a wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns and continues inside the Memorial Amphitheater with a parade of colors.

There are many national and state cemeteries throughout the country that may also be holding Veterans Day ceremonies.

Giving Back:

The following are organizations who are making a special effort to recognize Veterans Day by donating a portion of their sales to veteran causes or featuring special programs that give back to veterans during the month of November.

AARP –From October 30 to November 13, get 20% off AARP membership dues, and when a new membership is purchased, AARP will use a portion of the dues to help provide RealPad™ computer tablets to veterans to help them stay connected.

Applebee’s -- Applebee’s Thank You Movement asks friends, families and neighbors to submit stories on behalf of veterans or active duty military and their families who need items that would help improve their lives. Applebee’s will say thanks by fulfilling some of those needs.

Baskin-Robbins -- On Veterans Day, Baskin-Robbins will donate 10 cents from each ice cream scoop sold in its U.S. locations to the USO, in honor of U.S. troops, military families and veterans.

Boston Bruins – The Bruins honor local military members, veterans, and their families at Military Appreciation Night on Monday, November 10. Bruins players will each purchase $2,500 worth of tickets to the Bruins vs. Devils game to give to local military members and their families. There are many ways to get involved.

Burger King -- Burger King Franchisees across the country will host a fundraiser to benefit the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Unmet Needs program during the month of November. Patrons of participating BURGER KING Restaurants are encouraged to donate $1 or more to the Unmet Needs program with the purchase of their meal.

Cracker Barrel -- From November 1 to 11, 10% of Cracker Barrel retail sales on specific items will be donated to the USO and on Veterans Day, 10% of the sales price on all Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake enjoyed in the restaurant will be donated as well. Cracker Barrel will also offer a free slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake to all dine-in veterans on Veterans Day, November 11.

Hair Cuttery – This Veterans Day, Hair Cuttery is giving back to former service men and women through its Share-a-Haircut program. For every adult haircut purchased on November 11, a free haircut certificate will be donated back to a veteran. In each market, Hair Cuttery will partner with local veterans' organizations to reach those in need through the donation of haircut certificates.

Heinz – Thank a veteran and Heinz will donate $1 for every Thank You e-card and $.57 for social media share to Wounded Warrior Project —up to $250,000. Plus your Thank You e-card will be added to their Gallery of Gratitude.

Indiana Pacers – Pacers fans have access to Balcony Level tickets for $11 for 11 hours on November 11. Also, during this 11-hour promotion, every ticket in the Lower or Krieg DeVault Club Levels is $11 off the normal price. For every ticket sold via the Pacers 11/11 Promotion at Pacers.com/11, the “Pacers Cares” department will donate an additional ticket to an organization that supports military veterans.

Massage Envy – Massage Envy Spas located throughout Washington, D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia will donate $10 for every 1-hour massage or facial provided on Veterans Day to Wounded Warrior Project. Massage Envy Spa members are also encouraged to donate one of their unused massages to Wounded Warrior Project.

McDonald’s -- For the entire month of November, all 97 locally owned and operated McDonald’s of Hampton Roads restaurants will donate a portion of all sales of Big Mac and Quarter Pounder with Cheese Extra Value Meals to the Virginia Wounded Warrior Program (VAWWP).

Nashville Predators -- On Veteran’s Day, November 11, the Nashville Predators will honor the service of veterans, active-duty military members and first responders with several special in-game presentations and community relations activities. All money raised through the night’s special events will go to support local non-profits that provide assistance to veterans and members of the military, in addition to purchasing game tickets for the troops.

National Veterans Day Run – The National Veterans Day Run takes place on November 11 with races throughout the country, and their National Charity Partner for 2014 is Operation Gratitude. Operation Gratitude will be onsite at each of the races to give care packages to all veterans and active duty military in attendance.

NFL Salute to Service – To honor Veterans Day, the NFL will donate $100 to each of its non-profit partners (the Pat Tillman Foundation, USO and Wounded Warrior Project) for every point scored during the 32 Salute to Service games.

Outback Steakhouse -- To celebrate Outback's partnership with Folds of Honor, which helps to fund educational scholarships and assistance to family members of military heroes, Outback restaurants in select markets will be hosting Give Back Events on November 4 by donating 15% of each check (up to $5,000 per restaurant) to Folds of Honor.

Starbucks -- For every Veterans Starbucks Card or eGift purchased between November 4 through 11, Starbucks will donate $5 to Onward Veterans, an initiative to support and empower veterans as they transition to civilian life.

Uno Pizzeria & Grill-- To help support military families, UNO is hosting a Dough Raiser on Veterans Day in 96 locations to support Fisher House Foundation, which helps provide military families free housing close to a loved who is hospitalized for an illness, disease or injury.